"Eliminating Barriers, Creating New Norms."

Board of Directors

The Normal Anomaly Initiative is a nonprofit organization that belongs to the community. It is led by a volunteer Board of Directors who share in the mission and vision of this emerging organization. These board members have varying levels of expertise in various skills. Read more below about this exceptional group of people.

Nathan Maxey, MPA

Nathan Maxey is a first-generation proud college graduate of Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work and a Master of Public Administration. A passionate advocate with ten+ years of management experience in the healthcare and not-for-profit sectors. He is a Consultant with Harris County Public Health Maternal & Child Health Program. He lives the mantra, “Nothing for us without us,” because it summarizes his passion and vigor for HIV Advocacy as a person openly living with HIV for twenty-three years. Nathan has participated in several national programs and received awards and accolades for his work and meaningful involvement with the HIV community. He is the Principal Consultant of Nathan Maxey Consulting, LLC, which works directly with HIV and health equity advocacy work.

Denisha Estes, MBA

Denisha Estes is a business strategist with industry experience in leadership, DEIA, project management, nonprofit operations, and compliance, and relationship building. Her career experience expands from Fortune 500 for-profit organizations to international nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science with concentration in healthcare administration and obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Louisiana State University-Shreveport. Denisha has worked in the nonprofit sector for the last decade, transforming cultures with her passion and creativity. Her contributions to philanthropic causes consistently inspire her to serve the community and be the chair at the table for others who are not offered a seat.

Smiley Ross, MHR

Smiley Ross is a proud Houstonian born and raised in 5th Ward. Smiley is currently the Vice President of Human Resources for a private security company. Smiley also serve as Chair for the LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group. Smiley is a US Navy Veteran who spent 4 years In Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, which led into the career of protecting and serving. Smiley is passionate about creating positive changes that impacts people to enhance their lives and experiences. Smiley is happily married with three beautiful children and is pretty laid back. Smiley likes to relax with family, love on fur babies, and enjoy nice eateries. Smiley earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Human Resources through University of Houston – Downtown (UHD). Smiley is excited to be apart of the Normal Anomaly Initiative to help eliminate barriers and support our black queer community.

Christopher Roby, PhD

Christopher Roby, PhD serves in several capacities as the Chief Operating Officer with the Community Health Center Association of Mississippi, Adjunct Faculty of Health Care Administration at Jackson State University, and Professor of Sociology at Strayer University. Christopher is a highly motivated professional with public health and behavioral science experience in research and evaluation, public health management, organizational leadership, grant development, and grant reviewer for state/federal/private/ funds. Christopher has 18 years of professional administrative experience, exceptional knowledge of scientific practices, and capacity-building assistance. Christopher is a community activist for the LGBTQ community while lending support to individuals from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Christopher has managed 20 prevention intervention projects involving smoking cessation, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, breast/cervical/prostate cancer, and HIV/STIs. Christopher has also developed various quality improvement workgroups for HIV/AIDS and Hypertension Projects. Currently, he's focused on Ending the HIV Epidemic in support of Mississippi’s federally qualified health centers.